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Credit: Matt Stone

Keeping veterans like Gerald Wallace happy as the Celtics build for the future is a tough challenge.

SAN ANTONIO — The hits have started coming for the Celtics today and they haven’t even gotten to the arena yet to see what the Spurs have in store for them.

First, the NBA announced that it has fined Gerald Wallace $10,000 for "using profane language" during an interview with media following last night's 109-85 loss in Houston.

Seeking to describe the game in which the Celts trailed by as many as 35, Wallace said, "I don’t know what the (expletive) tonight was, just to be honest with you. I don’t really know what was going on."

In addition, Jared Sullinger received a flop warning for a second-quarter meeting with Dwight Howard in the same game. Sullinger was trying to box out Howard on a Jeremy Lin shot from the lane, and the league ruled the Celtics forward overreacted to Howard's forearm. Sullinger fell back dramatically on the play, which occurred with some five and a half minutes left in the period.

The Celtics were trailing the Rockets, 52-29, at the time.

Should Sullinger be judged guilty of a flop for a second time, he will be fined $5,000. Third, fourth and fifth offenses would incur fines of $10,000, $15,000 and $30,000, respectively. A sixth flop could bring a suspension.